Determinants of Smoking Motivation Among Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Abstract

Background: Adolescent smoking remains a significant public health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where prevention strategies often fall short. Understanding the psychological and environmental factors that drive smoking motivation is essential for designing effective interventions.

Objective: This study aimed to identify the internal and external factors associated with smoking motivation among adolescents in Indonesia.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 355 high school students aged 15–18 years, selected through stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a validated 24-item Smoking Motivation Questionnaire assessing both internal (e.g., curiosity, stress relief, emotional regulation) and external (e.g., peer influence, family influence, cigarette availability) factors. Descriptive statistics, independent samples t-tests, and binary logistic regression were used to analyze the data.

Results: Peer influence (M = 3.89, SD = 0.62), curiosity (M = 3.84, SD = 0.67), cigarette availability (M = 3.79, SD = 0.65), and stress relief (M = 3.51, SD = 0.72) were the strongest predictors of high smoking motivation. Logistic regression analysis confirmed that peer influence (OR = 2.17, p = .002), curiosity (OR = 1.89, p = .004), and cigarette availability (OR = 1.81, p = .003) significantly increased the likelihood of elevated smoking motivation. Family influence and emotional regulation were not significant in the final model.

Conclusion: The study highlights the critical role of peer dynamics, psychological curiosity, and environmental access in shaping adolescents’ motivation to smoke. Targeted interventions should emphasize peer-based prevention, stress management education, and stricter regulation of tobacco access to mitigate smoking initiation among youth.